Monthly AOS Judging

When

July 07, 2018

10:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Location

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA

American Orchid Society judging sessions are free and open to the public. Educational programs usually begin at 10:15 AM, and you are welcome to attend these as well, at no charge. Plants submitted for judging should be registered by 11:45 AM. There is no entry fee for judging however a nominal cost is charged to process any award.

If you are interested in additional information about your plant, or have a plant you would like transported to judging, please contact Jean Stefanik, AOS Accredited Judge, Jeango4it@aol.com or (603) 647-1063) or one of the others who MAY be driving to judging this month.

An AOS Judging Center is a great place to see how new hybrids are blooming and what new species are coming out of the wilds or even flasks. Hybridizers, whose goal is to make better-looking flowers and plants, get to see what’s working, and, what’s not. All attendees get a first-hand look at the best, most unusual, and even the worst and learn what to look for and are privy to a great store of knowledge in terms of quality, unusualness and historical perspective.

Learning how to judge an orchid begins with a minimum six-year training period; but, with orchids (and orchid judging) constantly evolving, the learning process is ongoing - What was good 5, 10 or 15 years ago may be substandard today. The Judging Program affords exhibitors and judges alike with an opportunity to look at issues like this through informative presentations and lively discussions that precede plant judging. The bottom line is that Judging Centers are in place for the benefit of all orchid interests.
The NH Orchid Society has made regular contributions to support the AOS Judging Program at the Northeast Regional Centers in Boylston MA and Stamford CT. Donations (monetary and plants or books for auctions) are always appreciated.

Orchid societies’ monthly show tables provide a great opportunity for members to show off their blooming plants and see what others are doing. A Judge may comment on the quality or rarity of a plant and suggest that it be brought to an AOS judging center where it may be researched in their records.Unless your plant or inflorescence was AOS judged, you’ll probably never know if it’s awardable but one thing is certain - your plant won’t be awarded if it stays at home. So, what are you waiting for? We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming judging!